Veterans returning from Iraq with problems too serious for local help (IA)

[Wickerman]

and its only going to get worse. Lets get them home.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050811/NEWS11/508110370/1001&lead=1

Need for counseling after Iraq, Afghan service expected to rise

By KEVIN DOBBS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
August 11, 2005

Many central Iowa soldiers have returned from combat in Iraq with health problems that Polk County veterans officials say they are not equipped to address.

"Almost every single Iraq vet who walks into our office has some kind of serious problem, many with mental health problems. So we just have to refer them on," said David DeBolt, director of the Polk County Commission on Veteran Affairs . "We're here to help with basic needs - some rent money, help with the bills, prescriptions, transportation around town."

Of the 208 Iraq war veterans the county commission has seen over the past two years, 59 received help from the county. Many of the rest were sent to federal Veterans Affairs hospitals in Des Moines and Knoxville, or to the Vet Center, an outpatient counseling facility in Des Moines.

--snip--

A March report in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that those numbers already are on the rise nationally. About 20 percent of eligible Iraq and Afghanistan veterans sought treatment at Veterans Affairs hospitals between October 2003 and February. A fourth were diagnosed with mental disorders.

[BeHereNow]

1. We will be dealing with this for generations-

Those poor people- traumatized for life, for WHAT?
BHN

[FlemingsGhost]

2. The war comes home

Look to the sky
it's been painted gun metal gray
Don't ask "why?"
it just might blow you away ...

Sharp-shooter
Firepower!
Hiding out
in your bell tower

Makes complete
self-defeat
snuffing life
hour by hour

[Rambis]

3. I just found out about a friend of mine

He had no contact with anyone after his second tour and we just found out he is alive. He is, has, and will continue to suffer from PTSD. He hopes to get off the meds someday but it ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
We are just glad he made it back now the real shit hits the fan. I think it is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident involving a vet of this damn war.

[Wickerman]

4. 'fraid you are correct

we've created a lot of new powder kegs. I see it at work and and am troubled; we see folks like the ones in the article. Situations too complex for community help. And, its only beginning.

Best to your friends, we appreciate his service and only wish those in trust would've treated him better.